Eye of the Beholder

True Destiny #2

by Dana Marie Bell

Justice isn’t blind anymore.

True Destiny, Book 2

Travis Yardley-Rudiger deliberately stayed away from Jamie Grimm, desperate not to pull her into the petty war of wills between him and her grandfather, Oliver Grimm. Unfortunately the reemergence of Baldur and Loki and their claiming of Jamie’s sister Jordan put her squarely in Grimm’s sights. Her torture at Grimm’s hands left Travis determined to claim and protect the woman he’s loved for years—but first he has to find a way to break the news that Travis is actually Tyr.

Jamie keeps seeing the weirdest things. Flames in her sister’s eyes, for instance…even Travis’s entire body glowing. Then there are the recurring nightmares she just can’t shake. One thing is Travis’s usual standoffish attitude has done an abrupt one-eighty. He’s even gone so far as to move with her into her sister’s condo while she convalesces. And when he reveals who—and what—he is, Jamie is left to wonder what the Norse God of Justice could possibly want with a crazy redhead with severe family issues.

As far as he’s concerned, it will be Travis’s pleasure to show her…

This book contains explicit sex, graphic language, a real blond god and a woman with reasons to have trust issues.

Genres: Paranormal, Paranormal Romance, Romance, Erotica, Magic, Ebooks, Mythology

113 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 1, 2010

About the author

Dana Marie Bell wrote her first short story when she was thirteen years old. She attended the High School for Creative and Performing Arts for creative writing, where freedom of expression was the order of the day. When her parents moved out of the city and placed her in a Catholic high school for her senior year she tried desperately to get away, but the nuns held fast, and she graduated with honors despite herself.

Dana has lived primarily in the Northeast (Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware, to be precise), with a brief stint on the US Virgin Island of St. Croix. She lives with her soul-mate and husband Dusty, their two maniacal children, an evil ice-cream stealing cat and a bull terrier that thinks it’s a Pekinese.

You can learn more about Dana at:

http://www.danamariebell.com
http://danamariebell.blogspot.com

Reviews

[Debrac2014 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good story line! I like Uncle Val and Jeff! Wish they'd kill off Odin!

[LaCath · Rating 1 out of 5]

Seriously, what is wrong with you people ? (And I don't only mean the characters, but also all those reviewers who gave this book very high grades.)
Since I can't do anything for my fellows reading human beings, let's focus on the characters.
In the first book, I thought the heroes went wayyyyyy too fast in seducing the heroin but, since it WAS indeed a first book, it would get better in the second one, where Tyr would take his time seducing Jamie. Boy was I mistaken. Here, Tyr (I won't even aknowledge the ridiculous name he choosed for himself) simply decided it was now okay for him to be with Jamie, so he began right away treating her like his rightful property. No wooing, not even discussing it with her, he went straight for naked skin. Not only did he kiss her before checking she agreed, but he right away started undressing her and touching her like he was entitled to. And, which made it a thousand times worse, the other characters behaved like he actually WAS. For example, Jordan, Jamie's big sister, who should have been a tad protective of her, especially since she just got herself nicely tortured by Odin, actually smacked Jamie on the head because she didn't let Tyr sleep with her at his first attempt. And Jamie felt BAD for it afterwhile.
Again, WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU PEOPLE ???
I will pass on the sloppy and abrupt transitions between scenes and the one-dimensional background characters. I feel like this book already took too much of my time.
After a bit of pondering, I decided to give it one and a half star.
One for the mythological background, even if it could use a little more explanation on the who's who and what the main plot is.
(It can be summarized in one sentence : "Odin is a major asshole and will do everything to make the "good" characters suffer, but he will be defeated at the end of each book, managing to escape at the very last second until there are no more books to write and then he will finally be defeated." Or so I guess, since it was pretty much the same thing in the second book than in the first, only the settings changed.)
And half a star for Jamie, that I really liked despite how she behaved with Tyr's less than subtle attempts at seduction. She's young and insecure, that's the only explanation I see.
I wonder what is yours, people...

[Jess · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the first book in this series quite a lot, which might be why I'm so disappointed in this one. As a romance, this didn't work for me at all. As a continuation in the saga, I'm still interested enough in the overall story to read the next book.

The problem with the romance is that, in addition to there not being any development to Travis/Tyr and Jamie's relationship, there was no real development of their characters. (Basically, the romance is: Tyr decides that it's no longer creepy for him to love/lust after Jamie, makes his move, she goes "huh?" for a scene, they're suddenly engaged.) The mythological Tyr is full of awesomesauce and the Tyr/Travis from the first story had some of that, but the guy in this story was cookie-cutter sweet-protective-hot guy. Jamie, too, was much more lively in the first book. I could overlook the lack of spunk given her trauma, but since even that was only referenced a few times but never shown, she just seemed inconsistent and bland. (She contemplates the warning her counselor gave her about post-traumatic nightmares, but never actually had any, or any other reaction that hinted at trauma.) The secondary characters with stories coming up had actual personalities, which makes me hope that once the focus is off them, Tyr and Jamie will be interesting again.

Also, while I'm somewhat familiar with Norse mythology, the cast of thousands with multiple names confused me a few times, mostly during the infodump worldbuilding scenes. And the extended excerpt from the Younger Edda was kind of odd, but I very rarely enjoy tossing poetry into prose works. (And, please, when you're quoting from the Prose Edda, even if you don't mention the translator, at least don't call it the Poetic Edda... they're not the same thing!)

[The BookChick · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm a Dana Marie Bell fan so I enjoyed this book. I bought it, read it, and am reviewing it on the same day.

My advice is to read Book 1. You could probably muddle your way through book 2 without the first one but why frustrate your reading experience. Book 2 immediately picks up the story from book one. DMB has a wonderful ability to spin an engaging and entertaining tale.

Nik and Mancinelli/Jeff and Fenris...oh there will be more stories definitely. That Grimm is a wiley Old Man.

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

Travis Yardley-Rudiger deliberately stayed away from Jamie Grimm, desperate not to pull her into the petty war of wills between him and her grandfather, Oliver Grimm. Unfortunately the reemergence of Baldur and Loki and their claiming of Jamie’s sister Jordan put her squarely in Grimm’s sights. Her torture at Grimm’s hands left Travis determined to claim and protect the woman he’s loved for years—but first he has to find a way to break the news that Travis is actually Tyr.
Jamie keeps seeing the weirdest things. Flames in her sister’s eyes, for instance…even Travis’s entire body glowing. Then there are the recurring nightmares she just can’t shake. One thing is certain: Travis’s usual standoffish attitude has done an abrupt one-eighty. He’s even gone so far as to move with her into her sister’s condo while she convalesces. And when he reveals who—and what—he is, Jamie is left to wonder what the Norse God of Justice could possibly want with a crazy redhead with severe family issues.
As far as he’s concerned, it will be Travis’s pleasure to show her…

Heather's Note
So Travis and Jamie are good together, but I really liked the first book better. This book seems to have several holes in the plot and then they were kind of glossed over. Still the story was enjoyable and I definitely want to read the next one.

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jamie has survived torture. What’s worse, her grandfather is the one who tortured her. But finding out Gods exist is playing more havoc on her than her physical injuries. So when Travis seems to actually see her can she be certain it isn’t pity?

Eye of the Beholder by Dana Marie Bell is second in the True Destiny series. I enjoyed this addition to Ms. Bell’s series. Jamie has been dropped into the rabbit hole. Her grandfather has tortured her and he is a God. Travis wants a relationship with her and by the way he is a God as well. Jamie isn’t sure what to believe but I was impressed with her determination to figure it out. I loved that when Travis decided to fight for the woman who holds his heart he does it with a gusto. Almost losing Jamie showed him that time was fleeting, at least for Jamie. Ms. Bell continues to weave an overriding story arc even as Jamie and Travis find their way. I enjoyed seeing this family find its way even as they fought to right and overdue wrong. I can’t wait to see what happens next in this world Ms. Bell is creating.


Five Shooting Stars

[Jamoz23 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Continues on with the confusing gods and the weird names agenda.
Basically, Odin is a complete and utter nasty piece of work, trying to kill everyone and rule whatever.
I found the actual romance lacking between Jamie and Travis. Talk about a complete u turn. Poor Jamie has been badly tortured by her own grandfather but once she is saved Travis decides that he will now claim her without even talking to her about if that was what she wanted. Felt a bit like she was forced into being his mate. Not what I am happy reading.
Will be interested to read about the other and new characters we met.

[Kriss · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome!

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating - 4.5*
One Word Rec.: Buy
Bell, Dana Marie; EYE OF THE BEHOLDER [True Destiny, #2]

Ebook; genre:{paranormal romance}, shelves: |author: Dana Marie Bell |
|Rating: 5* - Favorite, will re-read all the time = FANGIRLING HAS COMMENCED|
|paranormal, gods/myths: Norse|

Personally, I don't enjoy giving "SPOILERS" as a rule, so I believe the general synopsis above or on the book flap if it's a hard copy should give you all the pertinent information you need. I do include the basics under synopsis though. If you'd like to know my overall thoughts & feelings regarding the book or author, please check the "Personal Opinion" section. Also, if this is a book in a series, under "Characters," you'll most likely find a fu-bo list. While reading, authors tend to introduce us to numerous characters and I find I wonder if they will get their own book, so I decided to include this with my review to be helpful. If the character has a fu-bo already out, it will be listed. I will try not to include "SPOILERS" if there are any. And now to my review:

General Synopsis:
This is the second book in Dana Marie Bell's [ True Destiny ] series, revolving around the Norse myths and legends, and focuses on the romance between Travis Yardley-Rudiger (aka Tyr) and Jamie Grimm, half human daughter of Fred Grimm (aka Thor) and sister to Jordan (Very Much Alive).

Characters/Fu-bo:
Jeff - Howl for Me: True Destiny
Val
Magnus - Not Broken
Morgan - Morgan's Fate
Toni
Nik

Personal Opinion:
How many of y'all are like me while reading a book or series and become attached to specific characters? Before you ask, this doesn't apply to promoting my fu-bo list or anything. In the [ True Destiny ] series, this character for me, is Vincente. He makes the books ten times better than they already are! Every book, I cannot wait for him to make an appearance and I am impatiently hoping he will have more scene time (as in his very own book). Don't try to be a naysayer, I already have it all worked out in my head. . . I can only hope if it comes to pass as I suspect & everyone is shocked with the huge "SCOOBY DOO" reveal, I'll be jumping up and down, victorious.

[Leanna Craig · Rating 5 out of 5]

This author never fails to educate and thrill me with richly complex plots that keep me guessing, and Eye of the Beholder is everything I'd hoped for and more! Dana Marie Bell's world building, based on a fusion of Norse mythology and modern themes ensured that I had to read this book in one sitting. I literally could not put it down. This story can be read by itself, but I highly recommend that you begin with the first book in the series to have a deeper understanding of "who's who" in the True Destiny world.

This installment shows us the developing relationship between Jamie Grimm and her not so secret crush, Travis Yardley-Rudiger. Did I mention that Norse mythology figures into the storyline? That would mean that Travis is really the god formerly known as Tyr, Norse god of Justice. Jamie's pined after him since she was sixteen, but after seeing the string of women so unlike her in his life, is convinced that he’s not interested. Oh but he is. He's had his eye on her since their first meeting as well, though knowing she was so young really made him exercise patience until she became of age. Well, patience is a virtue; I can tell you the couple was amply rewarded when finally succumbing to their mutual desires and it was HOT! I wasn't sure how Ms. Bell could top the sex in book one, but silly me for doubting her!

While Jamie and Tyr were exploring their new relationship, they're also fending off the local police and of course Jamie's grandfather, Oliver (aka Odin) who's hell bent on destroying anything or anyone that gets in the way of his ultimate goal—reassuming the leadership of the Aesir. The story could have easily been campy and predictable, but Ms. Bell has a knack for giving you what you want and need, and I for one am glad. Pick up Eye of the Beholder by Dana Marie Bell if a sexy, suspenseful story with a paranormal twist is what you've been looking for!

[Shiran · Rating 4 out of 5]

Travis has been in love with Jaime Grimm since she was 16, but he has kept his distance, waiting for her to get a little older. Especially considering the fact that he's a centuries old Norse God. But after Jaime's grandfather kidnapped and tortured her he can't keep his distance anymore. Jamie is a pain, lots of it and when the man she has loved for years starts acting like her boyfriend she discovers that her world is not what she thought.

Eye of the Beholder is the second book in Dana Marie Bell's True Destiny series. Like the first one (which I loved) this book is fun, engaging and full of romance. The mythology is still a bit confusing but I think by the time you get to this book, it's a little less so.

I LOVED Jaime, she is a great character with spunk and a weird obsession with Spanish soap opera's from the 80s. She is strong, even in the face of painful torture by the hands of someone she loved. Travis is HOT and entertaining. He has many secrets but he is a good person. I loved seeing the other characters in this book, and Jeff is really funny and cute. I can't wait to read his book!

As I've come to expect from Bell, this is another funny, sexy and enthralling story.

[Sarah-Jayne Briggs · Rating 4 out of 5]

(This review may contain spoilers).

Although I liked this book, it wasn't quite as much as the first one. I felt that there was too much summarising of the past relationship between Travis and Jamie and not enough build-up before they jumped into bed with each other.

There were still some amusing moments in the book and I really liked the other characters - though I obviously hate Odin. I also think that the blood bonding thing works really well and is really quite interesting.

The sex scenes were good, apart from the crude language and f-word used in the narrative. I did notice some errors in the writing - like missing words and punctuation errors.

I am looking forward to seeing Logan's children appear in the next book. I plan to read Jeff's book fairly soon, when I get the chance. Although I think that more time could be spent setting up the relationships, I do quite like this series so far. It has the Norse gods and fairly interesting, well-written characters. (Though I really think Travis shouldn't have been noticing Jordan's breasts...)

[Desiree · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book just as much as the first in the series. Again, Bell held up to my expectations with her steamy writing as well as in depth story line. Travis and Jamie are loveable characters. It’s sweet that they have both liked each other for so long but never did anything about it. Jamie’s character seems to be a strong willed female full of sugar as well as fire; Travis is a good match for her. Jamie’s twin Jeff is amazing! I love his tough take-no-crap attitude, and that he’s gay. It’s nice to see a gay man shown as a man and not in a feminine manner. I also like the fact that Odin (aka Grimm) is still holding strong as the antagonist.

[gremlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this, and I read it pretty much straight through, but it definitely focused a whole lot more on the main storyline than on any romance.

Travis and Jamie have already been in love with each other for years without admitting it, mainly because they first met when she was 16 and he needed for her to grow up even though he'll always be centuries older. After Odin tortured Jamie, he's not going to hold back any more.

This does have a graphic description of Jamie's torture, which I'm not sure it needed.

[Harriet · Rating 2 out of 5]

Too many characters to keep track of
I'm not familiar with Norse mythology, so I had trouble keeping track of everyone and who's on whose side. On the romantically develop side, there wasn't one, we go in knowing that both the H/h had been pining for each other, and suddenly it's ok for them to be together, then they are together. I think this the last of this series in going to read. I'm just not interested in how Grimm dies his well-deserved death enough to get tugged along this confusing too many characters ride.

[The Neighbor · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is by far the best series I have read by Ms. Bell so far. It leaves the Halle & Poconos shifters series behind. Better characters, multiple story arcs, better world building. I'm actually curious about what's going to happen in the next book. The epilogue has just enough for shadowing to make you want more but not so much as to spoil all the plots. I also like the fact that she doesn't just dump the characters from the first book, they are all still there and integral to the plot as well as the new couple who are finding each other.

[Kayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is definitely a favorite series of mine and I love all of the characters in the storyline. I especially love Jamie and Travis! Jamie is hilarious and her thought process is so entertaining. It's also so cute to see the way Travis try's to sneak under her radar to fit himself into her life and show how much he really does care. The amount of God drama and romance is also perfect for the book and keeps it interesting and fresh!



I give this book 5 out of 5 stars!

Want more reviews and books? Check out my blog http://whenireadilive.blogspot.com/

[Tamara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jamie is wonderful, Travis(Tyr)is hot and the story flows well. But, I really wanted a little more emotion from Travis. I felt just like Jamie, WTF, he hasn't paid any attention to her in 10 years and all of a sudden he is all over her like white on rice.
The cast of characters really drives this story and I can't wait to read the next one in the series.

[Kathryn Reeder · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like this series. This book was about Tyr (Travis) and Jaime. They finally hook up and the gods share their powers with her. In this book you can see how far Odin is really willing to go to get what he wants.

[Amyd219 · Rating 5 out of 5]

My inner goddess is so happy with this series. I absolutely love Norse mythology, and it's so hard to find any fun books out there. The characters are great, and the action ties in well from book to book.

[Laura Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful

Great series by one of my favourite writers. The story continues with old man Grimm and his plans to rule the world. Loki and Balder and co. are working hard to defeat him and pulling characters from Norse mythology. Love this series.

[Elaine Kirby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jamie Gets a 2nd Taste!

Jamie get kidnapped again by Grimm (aka Odin) again at the end of this book & Odin escapes again.

But, before the above happens Jamie gets to keep her crush, Tyr or aka Travis.

[Ey-not-Cy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one was a bit harder to follow with all the double names (old ones/new modern ones) and the political intrigue. I'm still in, but I hope I don't need a notecard for the next one.

[Ellen Kingsley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cool storyline, but confusing at times with all the ancient history.

[Ellissa]

The reasons for the plot points at times seemed fickle. But it was short, quick and easy to read.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

r

[Kel (Faerie-bookworm) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love this series. I love books with mythology.

[Cayla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not a bad books like the first one it was slow to go but then it got interesting.

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing

I loved the book it's exciting with lots of action and romance.I highly recommend this book,especially all Loki lovers. It's thrilling